Participatory Security as Form of Control: Kaziranga National Park, India

Kaziranga National Park, renowned for its successful conservation of the Greater One-horned Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis), employs participatory security measures that serve as a form of indirect control over local communities. This study reveals how these mechanisms, supported by state and non-state agencies, complement militarized anti-poaching efforts, contributing to structural violence and national building in Assam. The research analyzes the revitalization of two key bodies—the eco-development committee and the voluntary defense organization—demonstrating their role as 'counterinsurgency practices.' By examining these participatory protection strategies, the study sheds light on the dual nature of conservation efforts: while aiming to enhance security and biodiversity preservation, they also reinforce broader social control dynamics.

Fanari, E. (2024). Participatory Security as Form of Control: Kaziranga National Park, India. Conservation and Society, 22(3), 125–136. https://doi.org/10.4103/cs.cs_44_23